Case Studies, Guides and advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Many of the paintings we care for have been composed by world-renowned artists, recognisable in their style and palette to an art connoisseur. Unfortunately only a few of these names are women, who have traditionally been excluded from the story of art. When a large landscape came to the attention of our conservation team, we… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Restoration stories, Useful articles
The Dutch golden age allowed landscapes to become an admired genre that was no longer practised simply as a backdrop to a historical or biblical scene. Views of the Netherlands did not have to be full of allegory to produce a compelling composition, the mass urbanisation of the country in the 17th century created an… Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Case Studies, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
One of the most frequent reasons for painting restoration is discolouration of the surface. Whilst there are many factors that can lead to a dark or distorted appearance, fireplace smoke is often involved. Over the course of their life, historic artworks have usually been in one or more locations with an open fire. Historic interiors… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Oil paintings are made up of several layers, often these cannot be seen by the untrained eye but nevertheless disturb the original intention of the artist. Surface contamination, discoloured and darkened varnish and the historic build-up within crevices can all make a remarkable visual difference when they are sensitively removed. Historic oil paintings may have… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Restoration stories, Useful articles
Our team loves nothing more than being able to delve into the history of each artwork that comes into our studio. Every so often, we are greeted by a familiar face from British history – royalty and aristocracy, soldiers and lawmakers. However, some of these are more infamous than others, as was the case with… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Many of the paintings that we receive in our studio are copies of some of the greatest paintings in human history. This was very much the case for a recent conservation project that would reveal hidden figures in a darkened copy of Rembrandt’s De Nachtwacht – also known as The Nightwatch or it’s much longer,… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Art is an important feature for many masonic lodges, whether this is an oil painting or unique item which can aid the continuation of masonic studies, advancement ceremonies and rituals throughout the world. Masonic tracing boards are one of the most significant pieces of a lodge’s historic collection, but like many art forms they can… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Every year we celebrate some of the most interesting and unusual projects to come through our studio doors. Speaking to our conservators and office team about their favourite artworks, we have compiled a list of the paintings, sculptures and furniture that sparked joy for them in 2021. We hope you enjoy reading about these amazing… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
St. Peters Church in Monmouth, Wales, faces a constant threat of flooding.The 12th century parish church is situated on the banks of the River Wye and has throughout it’s life suffered from constant and often severe disruption following adverse weather conditions prompting the river to overflow. The Church Of England building is Grade II listed… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
St Mary’s Church in Wreay, Cumbria is a unique piece of ecclesiastical architecture which is locally, nationally and internationally renowned. Constructed in 1842, it was designed and funded by a local patron named Sarah Losh. The church is now protected by the Friends Of St Mary’s Church, who contacted our team about a beautiful portrait… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Religious institutions often have a long and detailed history which is reflected in the fascinating artwork, documents and items which have accumulated over time. A clear example of this is in religious education, in which the ambience of the school is reflective of the history and devotion which is practiced there. Above: a detail from… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings
Our team often has the chance to work on remarkable artworks, including those which are important to cultural heritage. When it comes to significant artwork which may be beneficial to the public, whether this is through their connection to an event, an important figure, or social history, conservation funding can be tapped into for restoration… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, Latest News, Specialist Items
Antique toys and games may have connections to family history, a nostalgia that makes them highly collectable, or still, be in use as everyday entertainment. From academic games of chess to open air play with games of croquet, our conservators are expert in sensitively restoring pieces which may date back generations. Jaques of London is… Read more »
Case Studies, Education & Training, Latest News, Useful articles
You will find our London studio in the capital’s Design District, just around the corner from the antiques and interior hub of Pimlico Road and a short walk from London Victoria or Sloane Square. When you visit our studio you will meet our team of knowledgeable staff, some of whom you are likely to see… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Our paper conservator recently restored a pair of Chinese panels. The illustrations featured a busy scene of everyday life at a grand house and the countryside beyond. This article will share the rich history of these beautiful works on paper as well as exploring their delicate restoration process. What is Chinese panel art? The history… Read more »
Chalks and pastels are able to produce vibrant and dynamic pieces, their use in artwork has been a much-admired practice for hundreds of years. However, the fragility of the paper it sits upon and the medium itself makes a chalk or pastel drawing extremely vulnerable to environmental changes, atmospheric disturbances, natural decay, or accidental damage.… Read more »
Case Studies, Ceramics, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The versatile nature of glass means that it can be found in a wide variety of antiques and contemporary design. With the oldest known use of glass dating back to the stone age, the vast history of the material has resulted in numerous uses across hundreds of years. Whilst the fragility of glass may result… Read more »
Case Studies, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Not all of the objects and artworks we care for at Fine Art Restoration Company are traditional antiques. Often our private and insurance clients contact us about their beloved or high-value items which can range from small Christmas ornaments and LP record covers to large mixed-media sculptures and recreational centrepieces such as chess sets. We… Read more »
Case Studies, History Of Art, Latest News, Murals & Street Art, Useful articles
At the beginning of 2021, our team visited Westonbirt School in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The restoration of a wonderfully detailed Victorian mural had been in their plans since 2018, but numerous delays (including COVID-19) had allowed the water damage to develop further. This article tells the story of how our team restored the beautiful ceiling, as… Read more »
Case Studies, Education & Training, Latest News, Useful articles
Monica came to Fine Art Restoration Company after completing her master’s degree in Easel Painting Conservation at Northumbria University and is now a central part of our conservation team in Carlisle. Moving to England from Australia to pursue her studies in conservation and start her career as a conservator, Monica had previously combined the subjects… Read more »
